Description
Homemade potato gnocchi in a classic tomato sauce showcases Italian culinary tradition. Rich flavors and simple ingredients combine to create a comforting meal you can savor with friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz / 411 g) can crushed tomatoes
- ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Boiling Gnocchi: Salt a large pot of water to boiling point. Submerge potato dumplings and cook until they float effortlessly to the surface, approximately 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and reserve.
- Sautéing Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium temperature. Sauté onions until translucent and soft, then add garlic and allow its fragrance to permeate for one minute.
- Creating Tomato Sauce: Add crushed tomatoes to the aromatic base. Season with dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Balance potential acidity with a hint of sugar, stirring to integrate flavors.
- Simmering Sauce: Reduce heat and allow sauce to develop depth for 10-12 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent burning and ensure uniform consistency.
- Combining Elements: Gently fold cooked gnocchi into the vibrant tomato sauce, ensuring each dumpling receives a luxurious coating of sauce.
- Serving: Transfer gnocchi to serving dishes, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves. Serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Potato Precision: Choose starchy potatoes like Russet for fluffier gnocchi, avoiding waxy varieties that create dense dumplings.
- Salt Sensitivity: Use adequate salt when boiling potatoes and water to enhance flavor, but avoid over-salting which can make gnocchi tough.
- Boiling Basics: Remove gnocchi immediately after they float to prevent overcooking and maintain their delicate, pillowy texture.
- Sauce Balancing: Adjust tomato sauce acidity with a pinch of sugar, helping neutralize tartness and create a smoother flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg